Review by Booklist Review
Makley's erudite, eminently readable brief history of Lake Tahoe is a polished gem. Beginning with the region's significance to the Washoe Indians and covering succeeding gold, logging, and tourism booms, it delves into how Tahoe was named, developed, and exploited. Makley gives equal time to environmentalists and the delicate dancing of California and Nevada politicians. It's not all backroom deals and lawsuits, however. Makley shares plenty of gossipy stories, including Mark Twain's 1861 visit (covered in Twain's own Roughing It), John Steinbeck's hilarious failed stint as a caretaker, and Frank Sinatra's run-ins with the Nevada Gaming Board. He profiles more than one eccentric and numerous sports heroes, including recent Olympic downhill star Julia Mancuso. Everything, from the stately boats that plied the lake to the Washoes' court battle against rock climbers on a sacred site, contributes to giving readers a revealing survey of Tahoe's past. Illustrated with historic photos, Makley's work could serve as a blueprint for writing relevant and engaging regional history.--Mondor, Collee. Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
